20 Milestones - End of 20-year campaign
Category News
As I reflect on the remarkable journey of Hamilton's Property Portfolio, celebrating two decades of delivering the boutique experience in real estate, my heart swells with pride and gratitude. These twenty years have been a whirlwind of highs, lows, successes, and invaluable lessons, shaping the business and my evolution as an entrepreneur.
It's time to take a step back, reflect, and remark upon the top twenty moments and memories that have defined our legacy.
1 - Stepping Into the Unknown
Two decades ago, I took a leap of faith, stepping out of my legal comfort zone - and into this industry - to realise the dream of creating and running a real estate business dedicated to what we now proudly call "the boutique experience."
2 - The Humble Beginnings
Hamilton's began from humble beginnings right here in Johannesburg in 2003; from there,
my journey began with the initial sale of a property in Douglasdale, operating out of our Magaliessig townhouse. That first sale set the stage for what would become a thriving venture and marked the beginning of a strong presence in real estate.
3 - The Douglasdale Office
Opening our first office in Douglasdale in 2003 marked a significant milestone, and bringing Christie Ford on board as my assistant was a decision that would bear fruit. Christie's journey with us is an integral part of our story. She started as my trusted assistant, but her dedication and understanding of the real estate landscape quickly set her apart. Today, she is not only a successful property practitioner in Bryanston but is also our Convenyancing Manager, ensuring the smooth processing of our deals nationwide.
4 - First Big Sale
A turning point for Hamilton's Property Portfolio came with the closure of our first significant sale which also happened to be our first listing: a property on Curzon Road, Bryanston, fetching a substantial sum of R9,000,000. This pivotal moment marked more than just a financial triumph; it was a breakthrough that firmly established our presence in the competitive upper end of the real estate market.
5 - Office Expansion
Growing the team necessitated a move to larger offices on William Nicol (now Winnie Mandela Drive), a tangible symbol of our expanding influence in the real estate landscape.
This strategic shift wasn't just about accommodating a growing team; it embodied our commitment to providing an elevated experience for our clients and staff. The new offices became a hub of real estate collaboration and efficiency, reflecting the dynamism that defines Hamilton's Property Portfolio.
6 - Setting a Record
Selling the most expensive property in Bryanston at that time for R26,000,000 was a testament to our dedication and expertise in the industry.
Securing this sale was a milestone and a defining moment in our journey. It affirmed our ability to navigate the complexities of luxury real estate, demonstrating that Hamilton's was not just a real estate agency but a curator of extraordinary experiences defined by our commitment to providing "the boutique experience".
7 - Team Growth
Responding to increased demand, our team expanded yet again, ensuring we could continue to deliver our signature boutique brand experience.
With a team of eight, we were not just meeting the demands of a burgeoning market but actively shaping the narrative of what a boutique real estate experience should entail. It allowed us to maintain intimacy and attention to detail that set us apart, even as we navigated the expanding landscape of opportunities.
8 - Boutique Excellence in Bryanston
Becoming the leading agency in Bryanston, defined by our boutique and personalised approach to property sales, was a significant achievement and a point of pride for the entire team. It reinforces our belief that real estate is not just about properties; it's about people, relationships, and the art of delivering an unforgettable experience in every transaction.
9 - Venturing into Development
Establishing a development division under Peter and Alison Stroobach was a strategic move, resulting in sought-after developments that consistently sold out in record time. Their leadership and specialised skills ensured the success of our developments and positioned Hamilton's Property Portfolio as a sought-after name in the industry, which continues to this day.
10 - Business Expansion
The growing demand led to the addition of a new full-time assistant, Colin Cloete, in 2016, a pivotal year for our expanding business. As the demand for our boutique brand experience continued to surge, Colin's presence became instrumental in ensuring the seamless operation of our expanding business.
11 - Branching Out to Knysna
The year 2017 marked a bold venture into uncharted territory as I embarked on a new chapter, establishing our Garden Route branch alongside my brother, Simon. This strategic move was more than just geographical expansion; it was a deliberate step towards bringing the Hamilton's Property Portfolio experience to a new and vibrant locale and expanding our brand to a more national presence.
12 - Cape Town Calling
The following year, 2018, saw the initiation of our Cape Town branch, broadening our reach and influence in the real estate market. The initiation of the Cape Town branch wasn't just about opening new doors; it was about weaving our distinctive approach into the fabric of a city known for its discerning real estate clientele.
13 - International Presence
Expanding further, we made our mark in Mauritius in 2018, solidifying our status as a global player in the real estate industry. Alessandro Masselli, our man on the ground in Mauritius, became an invaluable team member, navigating the local market's intricacies with his expansive local knowledge and dedication.
14 - Eastern Cape Office
The year 2020 witnessed the establishment of our Eastern Cape office, further diversifying our portfolio. This expansion was not just about opening an office but a deliberate step towards engaging with a region that presented its own opportunities and challenges.
15 - Team Evolution
Our Garden Route branch expanded to include Plettenberg Bay. The picturesque backdrop of Plettenberg Bay added a new dimension to our offerings, creating opportunities to connect with clients seeking not just properties but a lifestyle curated with care.
With the addition of a new full-time assistant, Jen Taylor (who joined us in our Johannesburg branch), Colin transitioned into a full-time agent, contributing significantly to our growth and allowing us to expand our Cape Town endeavours.
16 - Winelands Branch
In 2022, we ventured into the Winelands, and have achieved a significant step forward by gaining accreditation with Val de Vie. This represents not only a win for Hamilton's Property Portfolio but a triumph for our clients seeking unparalleled experiences in the realm of luxury real estate, in yet another sought after area of the Western Cape.
17 - Adapting to Change
In the wake of the post-COVID era, we found ourselves well-positioned to harness the trend of "semigration" to coastal areas by already having established branches in many of the most desirable locations in the country. Navigating the challenges presented by the shifting dynamics of the real estate landscape during this time, we emerged resilient and stronger than ever.
The pandemic-induced changes in lifestyle and work preferences led to a surge in individuals seeking coastal living-a trend we keenly observed and strategically aligned with. Recognising the evolving needs of our clientele, we adapted our approach to meet the demand for properties in serene coastal environments.
18 - A Record-Breaking Sale
2023 marked a pinnacle achievement for Hamilton's Property Portfolio as we secured a historic milestone-selling the most expensive property in Sandhurst for a staggering R100,000,000. This monumental transaction wasn't just a record-breaking sale; it was a testament to our unwavering dedication, expertise, and ability to navigate the upper echelons of the real estate market.
The sale of this prestigious property in Sandhurst was a defining moment that echoed far beyond financial metrics. It reinforced our position as leaders in the industry, showcasing our proficiency in handling high-value transactions with precision and finesse.
19 - Mentoring Future Leaders
Drawing from my experiences, I took on the role of mentoring new agents entering the business, passing on knowledge and expertise. As the years have passed, I've seen many talented individuals come and go; many have stayed on, but all of them have grown from their experiences with us at Hamilton's.
20 - Passion Persists
Most importantly, every single day, I continue to do what I love-closing deals and creating life-long relationships. But despite the growth, I take immense pleasure in the hands-on approach, never managing from behind a desk and still playing the role of a motivated property practitioner.
As I pen down these milestones, I am grateful for our incredible journey together, and I look forward to the next chapter in Hamilton's Property Portfolio's legacy.
Here's to the next twenty years of excellence in the world of real estate!
Read our previous article here
Contact one of our offices below; we look forward to hearing from you:
Gauteng: 011 463 0155
Cape Town: 021 418 0328
Garden Route: 044 050 3295
Eastern Cape: 076 927 7787
Winelands: 021 863 0551
Mauritius: +230 5723 0369
Email: reception@hamiltons.co.za
Hamilton's Property Portfolio holds a Fidelity Fund Certificate issued by the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority.
Author: Regan Harris